Illuminator in vehicle interior

ABSTRACT

A vehicle cabin lighting apparatus includes a monitor  1  mounted to a ceiling of a vehicle cabin, a monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means  2  for detecting whether the monitor is placed in a folded or unfolded state, and a monitor control means  3  for determining whether the monitor is placed in a video display mode or lighting mode based on a detection output of the monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means, for controlling the operation of the monitor according to a result of the determination, and for applying, as illumination light, light emitted out of the monitor to the vehicle cabin when the monitor is placed in the lighting mode.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle cabin lighting apparatus,and, more particularly, to a vehicle cabin lighting apparatus whichuses, as vehicle cabin lighting, image light emitted out of aceiling-mounted monitor system (referred to as a monitor system fromhere on).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, a vehicle has room light which is disposed nearly on thecenter of the ceiling thereof in order to illuminate the whole of thecabin of the vehicle, and which is made to be switched on or offaccording to a passenger's switching operation or opening or closing ofa door. Since such a vehicle cabin lighting apparatus aims at lightingthe interior of a vehicle cabin at night or the like, the lightness andhue of light emitted out of the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus arefixed and it is not necessary to change them in particular.

There have been proposed, as related art vehicle cabin lightingapparatus, a display for displaying information on the operation of avehicle which is disposed in the cabin ceiling of the vehicle so thatthe driver on the driver's seat can visually recognize an imagedisplayed on the display via a reflecting mirror placed in the front ofthe driver's seat (for example, refer to patent reference 1), and amonitor display apparatus for vehicle-mounted camera which is used forlighting the vicinity of the driver's seat (for example, refer to patentreference 2).

[Patent reference 1JP, 6-35801, Y

[Patent reference 2JP, 7-17647, U

A problem with the above-mentioned related art vehicle cabin lightingapparatus is, however, that since they aim at lighting the interior of avehicle cabin at night or the like, and the lightness and hue of lightemitted out of the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus are fixed and it isnot necessary to change them in particular, they cannot structurallyemit light having an arbitrary amount falling within a variable rangeand an arbitrary tone, and, even in the case of above-mentioned patentreferences 1 and 2, since they simply make it possible for the driver tovisually recognize an image displayed on a display for displayinginformation on the operation of the vehicle via a reflecting mirrorplaced in the front of the driver's seat, or simply use the lightemitted out of the display for lighting the vicinity of the driver'sseat, they cannot structurally and effectively use the image light fromthe monitor (e.g., a liquid crystal display) mounted to the ceiling ofthe vehicle for lighting the cabin of the vehicle.

The present invention is made in order to solve the above-mentionedproblem, and it is therefore an object of the present invention toprovide a vehicle cabin lighting apparatus which can light the whole ofa vehicle cabin and can emit light having an arbitrary amount fallingwithin a variable range and an arbitrary tone so as to provide lightingrepresentation which is in agreement with passengers'feelings or theatmosphere of the cabin for the passengers, and which can also changethe light pattern, light color, or the like according to the status ofthe vehicle so that the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus can serve as analarm and safety apparatus which notifies the status of the vehicle tothe passengers in the cabin and persons outside the cabin.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention includes a monitor mounted to a ceiling of a vehicle cabin, amonitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means for detecting whether themonitor is placed in a folded or unfolded state, and a monitor controlmeans for determining whether the monitor is placed in a video displaymode or lighting mode based on a detection output of the monitorfolding-or-unfolding detecting means, for controlling the operation ofthe monitor according to a result of the determination, and forapplying, as illumination light, light emitted out of the monitor to thevehicle cabin when the monitor is placed in the lighting mode.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the monitor systemcan be substantially used as the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus whichcan change the light color, amount of the light, or the like in variousways. In addition, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordancewith the present invention can emit light having an arbitrary amount oflight which falls within a variable range and an arbitrary tone to lightthe vehicle cabin from the viewpoint of functions so that passengers(users) can enjoy lighting representation which is in agreement withtheir feelings or the atmosphere of the cabin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 1 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state of a monitor at a time whenpassengers can view and listen to an image displayed on the monitor inthe vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 1 ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the state of the monitor at a time when themonitor is accommodated in the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus inaccordance with embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of the vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 1 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus in accordance with embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the vehicle cabinlighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 1 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 2 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which monitor light isemitted from the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance withembodiment 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 3 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus in accordance with embodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 4 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which monitor light isemitted from the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance withembodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 5 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 6 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing examples of an alarm screen displaygenerated by the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance withembodiment 6 of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 6 of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 7 of the presentinvention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Hereafter, in order to explain this invention in greater detail, thepreferred embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 1 of the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordancewith this embodiment includes a monitor 1 mounted to the ceiling of avehicle cabin, a monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means 2 fordetecting whether this monitor 1 is placed in a folded or unfolded state(i.e., whether the monitor 1 is in use or in disuse), a monitor controlunit 3, which is disposed as a monitor control means, for determiningwhether the monitor 1 is placed in a video display mode in which itdisplays a TV image, image read from a DVD, or the like, or in alighting mode in which it functions as a lighting fixture to display awhite image, based on the detection result output from the monitorfolding-or-unfolding detecting means 2, for controlling the operation ofthe monitor 1 based on the determination result, and for applying, asillumination light, the light emitted out of the monitor 1 to the cabinof the vehicle when the monitor is placed in the lighting mode, and aremote control means 4 for controlling the operation of this monitorcontrol unit 3 according to an instruction input from outside so as toarbitrarily change the display of the monitor 1.

The monitor control unit 3 operates according to whether the monitor isplaced in the folded or unfolded state. For example, when the monitor 1is unfolded, the monitor control unit 3 displays a TV image, image readfrom a DVD, or the like on the monitor, whereas when the monitor 1 isfolded, the monitor control unit 3 automatically switches to a certaindisplay image (having a predetermined light emitting form, such as anamount of light, a light color, and a light pattern), such as a whiteimage, so as to function as a lighting fixture.

The monitor control unit 3 includes a monitor light amount adjustingunit 31 for adjusting the amount of the light emitted out of the monitor1, a monitor light color adjusting unit 32 for adjusting the color ofthe light emitted out of the monitor 1, a monitor light patternadjusting unit 33 for adjusting the pattern of the light emitted out ofthe monitor 1, a monitor operation control means 34 for controlling thedisplay operation of the monitor 1 when the monitor 1 is placed in thefolded or unfolded state according to the detection result of themonitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means 2, and an OR circuit 35,which is disposed as a display contents selecting means, for selectingdisplay contents when the monitor 1 is placed in the folded state undercontrol of the monitor operation control means 34, and for instructingthe monitor 1 to display the selected display contents. The monitorcontrol unit 3 selects and adjusts one of at least the amount, color,and pattern of the light emitted out of the monitor 1, and provides acorresponding instruction to the monitor 1 when the monitor 1 is placedin the lighting mode.

The remote control means 4 enables any passenger to control theoperation of the monitor control unit 3 by using a nearby switch, anearby remote controller, or the like, to arbitrarily change the displaycontents, and to switch on or off the monitor. Furthermore, this remotecontrol means 4 enables any passenger to carry out an operation and asetting associated with the displayed image (a DVD image, TV image, orthe like), and a detailed setting for display (lighting) for the casewhere the monitor is used as a lighting fixture, etc. when the monitor 1is unfolded, and can carry out a setting (can set the light color,amount of light, or light pattern) for the lighting functions, etc. whenthe monitor 1 is folded, and also enables any passenger to perform anON/OFF operation on the power supply of the monitor regardless ofwhether the monitor 1 is placed in the folded or unfolded state.

In a case where the monitor system is arranged so as to mainly enableany passenger in the backseat of the vehicle to view and listen to a TVimage, DVD image, or the like within the cabin of the vehicle, when apassenger views and listens to such an image, the monitor 1 is flippeddown from the accommodating case 6 and is put into a state in which heor she can view and listen the image, as shown in FIG. 2, whereas whenthe monitor is in disuse, the monitor 1 is accommodated in theaccommodating case 6 mounted to the ceiling of the cabin 5 of thevehicle, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of the vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 1 of the presentinvention, which is mounted to the vehicle's ceiling, and FIG. 5 is anexploded perspective view of FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, a prism 8 is disposed, as a light guiding member forlighting, in the accommodating case 6 mounted to the vehicle's ceiling7, for accommodating the monitor 1 therein. This prism 8 reflects raysof light emitted out of the monitor 1, which are shown by arrows a, inrightward and leftward directions within the accommodating case 6, andguides them, as rays of illumination light shown by arrows b, toopenings 6 a formed in both sides of the accommodating case 6.

The concrete structure of the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus inaccordance with this embodiment is shown in FIG. 5, and the monitor 1 isconstructed of a cover 1 a shown in FIG. 5(c), a liquid crystal assembly1 b, a diffusion sheet 1 c, and a back light assembly 1 d, shown in FIG.5(d), and a case 1 e shown in FIG. 5(e). As shown in the FIG. 5(b), theopenings 6 a for lighting are formed in the both sides of theaccommodating case 6 for accommodating the monitor 1 therein, and theprism 8 formed as shown in FIG. 5(a) is mounted in the accommodatingcase 6 so as to receive and reflect the light emitted out of the monitorand to guide it to the openings 6 a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the prism 8 is so constructed as to be partiallyexposed to outside from the openings 6 a formed in the both sides of theaccommodating case 6 and to emit out the light emitted from the monitorto outside. As an alternative, the whole or part of the accommodatingcase 6 can be made of such a material as a transparent or translucentresin or glass so that the light can pass through the whole or part ofthe accommodating case 6, and the prism can be so constructed as toguide the light emitted from the monitor to the whole or part of theaccommodating case 6. In this case, the openings 6 a formed in the bothsides of the accommodating case 6 are stopped up so that the prism 8 isnot exposed to outside.

Next, the operation of the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus inaccordance with this embodiment of the present invention will beexplained with reference to FIG. 6.

First, the monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means 2 detects thefolded or unfolded state of the monitor 1 (in step ST1). Then, themonitor operation control means 34 determines whether the monitor 1 isplaced in the folded or unfolded state (in step ST2), and, whendetermining that the monitor 1 is not placed in the folded state, thatis, when the monitor is placed in the video display mode which is theunfolded state, flips down the monitor 1 so as to display a normal TVimage or DVD image on the monitor 1, and ends the processing (in stepST3).

When, in step ST2, determining that the monitor 1 is placed in thefolded state, the monitor operation control means enters the lightingmode (in step ST4), and determines whether there is a necessity tochange the display contents, i.e., the amount of the light, light color,light pattern, or the like of the monitor 1 (in step ST5). When needed,the monitor operation control means selects a corresponding adjustingunit, e.g., the monitor light amount adjusting unit 31 so as to adjustthe amount of the light emitted out of the monitor in the case of theamount of light, selects the monitor light color adjusting unit 32 so asto adjust the color of the light emitted out of the monitor in the caseof the light color, or selects the monitor light pattern adjusting unit33 so as to adjust the pattern of the light emitted out of the monitorin the case of the light pattern. After that, the OR circuit 35 selectsthe needed display contents (in step ST6), and the prism 8 (see FIG. 4)disposed within the accommodating case 6 of the monitor 1 placed in thefolded state reflects the light emitted out of the monitor 1 with thereflecting surface thereof so as to guide it, as illumination light, tothe openings 6 a. The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus thus carries outand ends the series of processes. On the other hand, when there is nonecessity to change the display contents in step ST5, the monitoroperation control means keeps the previously-established setting so thatthe prism guides the light emitted out of the monitor to the openings 6a, and ends the processing.

As previously mentioned, when the monitor 1 is accommodated in theaccommodating case 6, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordancewith embodiment 1 can make the monitor 1 emit light, reflect the lighttoward the openings 6 a of the accommodating case 6 using the prism 8,and emit out the light emitted from the monitor, as illumination light,by way of these openings 6 a. That is, the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus can guide the light emitted out of the monitor 1 which is aliquid crystal having a so-called back light, to the side portions ofthe accommodating case by using the prism 8 so as to project the lightto outside the apparatus. Furthermore, the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus continuously uses the light emitted out of this monitor 1 as alight source, and controls the amount of the light (lightness), lightcolor, light pattern, or the like by using the monitor control unit 3.Therefore, the monitor system can be substantially used as the vehiclecabin lighting apparatus which can change the light color, amount of thelight, or the like in various ways. In addition, since the vehicle cabinlighting apparatus uses the light emitted out of the monitor of themonitor system for lighting the cabin of the vehicle, the vehicle cabinlighting apparatus can emit the light with an arbitrary amount of lightwhich falls within a variable range and an arbitrary tone to light thevehicle cabin from the viewpoint of functions so that passengers (users)can enjoy lighting representation which is in agreement with theirfeelings or the atmosphere of the cabin.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 2 of the presentinvention, which is mounted to a vehicle's ceiling, and FIG. 8 is aperspective view showing a state in which monitor light is emitted fromthe vehicle cabin lighting apparatus. In FIGS. 7 and 8, componentscorresponding to those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are designated by the samereference numerals as shown in these figures, and the detailedexplanation of the components will be omitted hereafter.

In FIG. 7, openings 6 a for lighting are formed in both sides of anaccommodating case 6 mounted to the vehicle's ceiling 7, foraccommodating a monitor 1 therein, and an optical fiber 9 is attachedinto the accommodating case 6 as a light guiding member which is formedso as to reflect light emitted out of the monitor 1, which is shown byan arrow a, in rightward and leftward directions, and to guide them, asrays of illumination light shown by arrows b, to the openings 6 a.

Since the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus is so constructed, the lightemitted out of the monitor 1 placed in the folded state emits out fromthe openings 6 a for lighting formed in the both sides of theaccommodating case 6, and is then applied, as illumination light, to thecabin of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 8.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical fiber 9 is soconstructed as to be partially exposed to outside from the openings 6 aformed in both the right and left sides of the accommodating case 6 andto emit out the light from the monitor. As an alternative, the whole orpart of the accommodating case 6 can be made of such a material as atransparent or translucent resin or glass so that the light can passthrough the whole or part of the accommodating case 6, and the opticalfiber can be so constructed as to guide the light from the monitor tothe whole or part of the accommodating case 6. In this case, theopenings 6 a formed in both the right and left sides of theaccommodating case 6 are stopped up so that the optical fiber 9 is notexposed to outside.

Thus, in accordance with embodiment 2, since the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus uses the optical fiber 9 as the light guiding member forguiding the light emitted out of the monitor 1 to the openings 6 a ofthe accommodating case 6 when the monitor 1 is accommodated in theaccommodating case 6, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus can havesubstantially the same functions as that of above-mentioned embodiment1, and can provide the same advantages.

Embodiment 3

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 3 of the presentinvention, which is mounted to a vehicle's ceiling, and FIG. 10 is anexploded perspective view of FIG. 9. In FIGS. 9 and 10, componentscorresponding to those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are designated by the samereference numerals as shown in these figures, and the detailedexplanation of the components will be omitted hereafter.

The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with any one ofabove-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 functions as a direct lightingapparatus which guides light emitted out of the monitor 1 using a prism8 or optical fiber 9, and then applies the monitor light directly to thecabin of the vehicle by way of the openings 6 a formed in the both sidesof the accommodating case 6. In contrast, the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus in accordance with this embodiment 3 includes openings 10 awhich are formed in both sides of an accommodating case 10 so that slitscan be disposed between the accommodating case 10 and the vehicle'sceiling 7, and reflects light emitted out of a monitor 1 using thereflecting surface of a prism 11 which is disposed, as a light guidingmember, within the accommodating case 10, in which the monitor 1 placedin the folded state is accommodated, so as to guide the light, asillumination light, to the openings 10 a and to make the light travelalong the direction of the vehicle's ceiling 7, as shown in FIG. 9. Inthis case, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus substantially functionsas an indirect lighting apparatus which emits soft light having afeeling of depth because of an indirect-lighting effect of making thelight emitted out the openings along the direction of the vehicle'sceiling 7 be reflected irregularly by the vehicle's ceiling 7.

The concrete structure of the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus inaccordance with this embodiment is shown in FIG. 10, and the monitor 1is constructed of a cover 1 a shown in FIG. 10(c), a liquid crystalassembly 1 b, a diffusion sheet 1 c, and a back light assembly 1 d,shown in FIG. 10(d), and a case 1 e shown in FIG. 10(e). As shown inFIG. 10(b), the openings 10 a are formed in the both sides of theaccommodating case 10 so that slits can be disposed between theaccommodating case 10 and the vehicle's ceiling 7, and the prism 11formed as shown in FIG. 10(a) is disposed within the accommodating case10 so as to receive the light emitted out of the monitor and to reflectand guide it to the openings 10 a such that the light travels along thedirection of the vehicle's ceiling 7.

As previously mentioned, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus inaccordance with embodiment 3 is so constructed as to reflect the lightemitted out of the monitor using the prism 11 toward the openings 10 awhich are formed in the both sides of the accommodating case 10 so thatslits can be disposed between the accommodating case 10 and thevehicle's ceiling 7, and to make the light travel along the direction ofthe vehicle's ceiling 7. Therefore, in accordance with this embodiment,there can be provided an indirect lighting apparatus which emits outsoft light having a feeling of depth because of an indirect-lightingeffect of making the light emitted out the openings along the directionof the vehicle's ceiling be reflected irregularly by the vehicle'sceiling.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 4 of the presentinvention, which is mounted to a vehicle's ceiling, and FIG. 12 is aperspective view showing a state in which light is emitted from thevehicle cabin lighting apparatus. In FIGS. 11 and 12, componentscorresponding to those shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are designated by thesame reference numerals as shown in these figures, and the detailedexplanation of the components will be omitted hereafter.

In FIG. 11, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with thisembodiment 4 includes openings 10 a which are formed in the both sidesof an accommodating case 10 mounted to the vehicle's ceiling 7, foraccommodating a monitor 1 therein so that slits can be disposed betweenthe accommodating case 10 and the vehicle's ceiling 7, and an opticalfiber 12 is attached into the accommodating case 10 as a light guidingmember which is formed so as to reflect the light emitted out of themonitor 1, which is shown by an arrow a, in rightward and leftwarddirections, and to guide it, as illumination light shown by arrows b, tothe openings 10 a.

Since the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus is so constructed, the lightemitted out of the monitor 1 placed in the folded state emits out fromthe openings 10 a for lighting formed in the both sides of theaccommodating case 10, and is then applied, as illumination light, tothe cabin of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 12.

Thus, in accordance with embodiment 4, since the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus uses the optical fiber 12 as the light guiding member forguiding the light emitted out of the monitor 1 to the openings 10 a ofthe accommodating case 10 when the monitor 1 is accommodated in theaccommodating case 10, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus can havesubstantially the same functions as that of above-mentioned embodiment3, and can provide the same advantages.

Embodiment 5

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of a vehiclecabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 5 of the presentinvention, which is mounted to a vehicle's ceiling. In FIG. 13,components corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 aredesignated by the same reference numerals as shown in these figures, andthe detailed explanation of the components will be omitted hereafter.

The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with any one ofabove-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4 directly receives the light emittedout of the monitor 1 using a prism, an optical fiber, or the like whichis a light guiding member, and makes the light be reflected within theprism, optical fiber, or the like so as to guide it to lighting surfaces(i.e., light-emitting surfaces). In contrast, in the vehicle cabinlighting apparatus in accordance with this embodiment, a hollow 13 isformed within an accommodating case 10 and a plurality of reflectors 14to 16 are incorporated into this hollow 13 so that light emitted out ofa monitor 1 is reflected toward openings 10 a formed in theaccommodating case 10 using the plurality of reflectors 14 to 16 and isemitted out of the openings 10 a along the direction of the vehicle'sceiling 7, as shown in FIG. 13.

That is, in accordance with this embodiment, the longest one 14 of theplurality of reflectors 14 to 16 is disposed in a central portion of thehollow 13 so as to be opposite to the monitor 1, and the shorterreflectors 15 and 16 are arranged on both sides of the reflector 14 andbelow the reflector 14 at a certain distance from the reflector 14. Thereflector 14 is so arranged as to reflect the light emitted out of themonitor 1, and to guide it to the other reflectors 15 and 16 arranged onthe both sides thereof, and the other reflectors 15 and 16 are soarranged as to reflect the light guided thereto and guide it, asillumination light, to the openings 10 a formed in the both ends of theaccommodating case 10, respectively, so that the light travels along thedirection of the vehicle's ceiling 7.

As previously, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance withthis embodiment is so constructed as to function as an indirect lightingapparatus, like those of above-mentioned embodiment 3 and 4. As analternative, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance withthis embodiment can be so constructed as to apply the light emitted outof the monitor directly to the cabin, like those of above-mentionedembodiments 1 and 2, even though it includes the plurality ofreflectors. The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with thisembodiment can be alternatively constructed so as to guide the lightemitted out of the monitor to the openings 10 a using both a lightguiding member, such as a prism or optical fiber, and reflectors.

Thus, in the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with thisembodiment 5, the hollow 13 is formed within the accommodating case 10and the plurality of reflectors are incorporated into this hollow 13 sothat the light emitted out of the monitor 1 is reflected toward theopenings 10 a using the plurality of reflectors and is emitted out ofthe openings 10 a along the direction of the vehicle's ceiling 7.Therefore, even this embodiment provides the same advantages as offeredby above-mentioned embodiments 3 and 4, and also provides an advantageof being able to simplify the structure of the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus by the omission of the light guiding member, thereby reducingthe manufacturing cost.

Embodiment 6

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the circuit structure of avehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 6 of thepresent invention. In FIG. 14, components corresponding to those shownin FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals as shown in thisfigure, and the detailed explanation of the components will be omittedhereafter.

The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with this embodimentis so constructed as to operate in cooperation with the operation of analarm apparatus or the like. For example, when a door of a vehicle inwhich the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus is mounted is imperfectlyclosed (i.e., when a door is not completely closed), when an antitheftdevice (e.g., an immobilizer) operates, or when a problem arises in theseat belt wearing conditions, the remaining amount of oil, the remainingamount of fuel, the remaining charged capacity of the battery, or thelike, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus emits out light in apredetermined form such as a blinking form, and serves as an alarmdevice which notifies passengers and persons outside the vehicle that anabnormal condition occurs in the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 14, a monitor control unit 3A, which is disposed as amonitor control means for controlling the operation of a monitor 1, isprovided with a monitor light amount adjusting unit 31, a monitor lightcolor adjusting unit 32, a monitor light pattern adjusting unit 33, andan OR circuit 35, like the monitor control unit 3 of FIG. 1. The monitorcontrol unit 3A further includes a monitor operation control means 34Afor controlling the display operation of the monitor 1 at a time whenthe monitor 1 is placed in a folded or unfolded state according to adetection result of a monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means 2,and for similarly controlling the display operation of the monitor 1 atthe time when the monitor 1 is placed in the folded or unfolded state inresponse to an alarm signal from outside.

The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus further includes a vehicle alarmunit 17 connected to the monitor operation control means 34A, forgenerating an alarm signal, and a vehicle status detecting means 18connected to the vehicle alarm unit 17, for detecting a status of thevehicle, such as whether or not all doors are completely closed, theseat belt wearing conditions, the remaining amount of oil, the remainingamount of fuel, the remaining charged capacity of the battery, or thelike, or the activation of the antitheft device, as mentioned above. Inresponse to a detection output of the vehicle status detecting means 18,the vehicle alarm unit 17 outputs an alarm signal to the monitoroperation control means 34A and puts the vehicle cabin lightingapparatus into an alarm mode. In a video display mode in which themonitor 1 is placed in the unfolded state, the vehicle alarm unit 17causes the monitor control unit 3A to display a word of warning on thescreen of the monitor 1. On the other hand, in a lighting mode which themonitor 1 is placed in the folded state, the vehicle alarm unit 17causes the monitor control unit 3A to emit out light having apredetermined pattern so as to notify passengers and persons outside thevehicle that an abnormal condition occurs in the vehicle.

The vehicle alarm unit 17 and vehicle status detecting means 18constitute a vehicle alarm generating means. A remote control means 4has the same functions as that of FIG. 1, and can carry out a detailedsetting for display (lighting) at the time when the alarm device isactivated.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing examples of an alarm screen displaygenerated by the monitor 1.

FIG. 15 shows display contents at the time when the monitor is placed inthe folded state (i.e., the state of FIG. 3 in which the monitor 1 isaccommodated in the accommodating case 6 mounted to the ceiling of thecabin 5 of the vehicle). In this case where the monitor is folded, theoperation mode of the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus is substantiallythe lighting mode, and, when no alarm is raised, the monitor 1 lights upand the light emitted out of the monitor 1 is applied, as illuminationlight, to the cabin of the vehicle. When the alarm signal indicates atheft detection by the immobilizer (i.e., the antitheft device), themonitor operation control means sets the color of the illumination lightemitted out of the monitor 1 to red, and then makes the monitor blink atintervals of 0.5 seconds. When the immobilizer is released, theoperation control means switches off the monitor.

When the alarm signal indicates that a door is not completely closed,the monitor operation control means sets the color of the illuminationlight emitted out of the monitor 1 to yellow, and then makes the monitorlight up. When the door is completely closed, the monitor operationcontrol switches off the monitor. When the alarm signal indicates that apassenger forgets to wear a seat belt, the monitor operation controlmeans sets the color of the illumination light emitted out of themonitor 1 to orange, and then makes the monitor blink at intervals of 1second for 10 seconds, and, after that, makes it blink at intervals of0.5 seconds and then switches off the monitor when the passenger wearsthe seat belt. When the alarm signal indicates a remaining oil amountwarning, the monitor operation control means sets the color of theillumination light emitted out of the monitor 1 to green, and then makesthe monitor blink at intervals of 2 seconds. When the vehicle alarm unit17 is then released, the monitor operation control means switches offthe monitor. When the alarm signal indicates a remaining fuel amountwarning, the monitor operation control means sets the color of theillumination light emitted out of the monitor 1 to blue, and then makesthe monitor blink at intervals of 2 seconds. When the vehicle alarm unit17 is then released, the monitor operation control means switches offthe monitor.

When the alarm signal indicates a remaining battery charged capacitywarning, the monitor operation control means sets the color of theillumination light emitted out of the monitor 1 to white, and then makesthe monitor blink at intervals of 2 seconds. When the vehicle alarm unit17 is then released, the monitor operation control means switches offthe monitor. When the alarm signal indicates that two or more alarms aresimultaneously raised, the monitor operation control means causes themonitor to sequentially generate corresponding alarm display contentsassociated with, for example, an alarm about the above-mentionedimmobilizer, . . . , and a remaining battery charged capacity warning inthe order of them. The monitor operation control means switches amongthe two or more alarm display contents at predetermined intervals of,e.g., 10 seconds if needed, and, when one of the abnormalities iseliminated and the vehicle alarm unit 17 then cancels the issue of acorresponding alarm, switches off the generation of corresponding alarmdisplay contents.

The light color, length of intervals at which the monitor blinks, whichis defined as the light pattern, etc. which are shown in FIG. 15 foreach alarm display contents are provided as an example, and are notlimitedly defined for each alarm display contents.

In a case where the monitor displays certain contents in the state inwhich the monitor is unfolded (i.e., when the monitor 1 is flipped downfrom the accommodating case 6, and is placed in a state as shown in FIG.2 in which passengers can view and listen to an image displayed on thescreen of the monitor), the operation mode of the monitor issubstantially the video display mode, and, when an alarm as shown inFIG. 15 is raised, for example, the following word of warning isdisplayed on the screen of the monitor 1 as an example, although notshown in FIG. 15.

In other words, when the alarm signal indicates that the immobilizer(i.e., the antitheft device) is activated, the following word ofwarning: “The antitheft device is activated” is shown. When the alarmsignal indicates that a door is not completely closed, the followingword of warning: “Please close the door on the side of the front seat”isshown. When the alarm signal indicates that a passenger forgets to weara seat belt, the following word of warning: “Please wear the seatbelt”is shown. When the alarm signal indicates a remaining oil amountwarning, the following word of warning: “Please check the remaining oilamount”is shown. When the alarm signal indicates a remaining fuel amountwarning, the following word of warning: “Please check the remaining fuelamount”is shown. When the alarm signal indicates a remaining batterycharged capacity warning, the following word of warning: “Please checkthe remaining battery charged capacity”is shown. When the alarm signalindicates that two or more alarms are simultaneously raised, the monitoroperation control means causes the monitor to sequentially generatecorresponding words of warning associated with, for example, an alarmabout the above-mentioned immobilizer, . . . , and a remaining batterycharged capacity warning in the order of them. The monitor operationcontrol means switches among the two or more words of warning atpredetermined intervals of, for example, 5 seconds if needed, and, whenone of the abnormalities is eliminated and the vehicle alarm unit 17then cancels the issue of a corresponding alarm, switches off thedisplay of a corresponding word of warning.

Next, the operation of the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus will beexplained with reference to FIG. 16.

The vehicle alarm unit 17 detects the status of the vehicle from thedetection output of the vehicle status detecting means 18 (in stepST11), and the monitor operation control means 34A determines whether anabnormal condition corresponding to an alarm as shown in FIG. 15 occursbased on this detection output (in step ST12). When no abnormalcondition occurs, the monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means 2detects the folded or unfolded state of the monitor 1 (in step ST13).Then, the monitor operation control means 34 determines whether themonitor 1 is placed in the folded or unfolded state (in step ST14), and,when determining that the monitor 1 is not placed in the folded state,that is, when the monitor is placed in the video display mode which isthe unfolded state, flips down the monitor 1 so as to display a normalTV image or DVD image on the monitor 1, and ends the processing (in stepST15).

When, in step ST14, determining that the monitor 1 is placed in thefolded state, the monitor operation control means enters the lightingmode (in step ST16), and determines whether there is a necessity tochange the display contents, i.e., the amount of the light, light color,light pattern, or the like of the monitor 1 (in step ST17). When needed,the monitor operation control means selects a corresponding adjustingunit, e.g., the monitor light amount adjusting unit 31 so as to adjustthe amount of the light emitted out of the monitor in the case of theamount of light, selects the monitor light color adjusting unit 32 so asto adjust the color of the light emitted out of the monitor in the caseof the light color, or selects the monitor light pattern adjusting unit33 so as to adjust the pattern of the light emitted out of the monitorin the case of the light pattern. After that, the OR circuit 35 selectsthe needed display contents (in step ST18), and a prism 8 disposedwithin the accommodating case 6, as shown in FIG. 4, of the monitor 1placed in the folded state reflects the light emitted out of the monitor1 with the reflecting surface thereof so as to guide it, as illuminationlight, to openings 6 a. The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus thuscarries out and ends the series of processes. On the other hand, whenthere is no necessity to change the display contents in step ST17, themonitor operation control means keeps the previously-established settingso that the prism guides the light emitted out of the monitor to theopenings 6 a, and ends the processing.

On the other hand, when, in step ST12, determining that an abnormalcondition occurs in the vehicle, the monitor operation control meansenters the alarm mode (in step ST19) in which it identifies the statusof the vehicle in which the abnormal condition occurs (in step ST20),and, when the monitor 1 is placed in the unfolded state, it advances tothe video display mode of step ST15 in which it carries out a process ofdisplaying a corresponding word of warning on the screen of the monitor1 according to the alarm, as previously mentioned. On the other hand,when the monitor 1 is placed in the folded state, the monitor operationcontrol means advances to the lighting mode of step ST14 in which itcarries out a warning process in steps ST16 to ST18 using, for example,an above-mentioned light pattern or the like.

In other words, the monitor operation control means enters the lightingmode for warning in step ST16, and determines whether there is anecessity to change the display contents, i.e., the amount of the light,light color, light pattern, or the like of the monitor 1 (in step ST17).When needed, the monitor operation control means selects a correspondingadjusting unit, e.g., the monitor light amount adjusting unit 31 so asto adjust the amount of the light emitted out of the monitor in the caseof the amount of light, selects the monitor light color adjusting unit32 so as to adjust the color of the light emitted out of the monitor inthe case of the light color, or selects the monitor light patternadjusting unit 33 so as to adjust the pattern of the light emitted outof the monitor in the case of the light pattern. After that, the ORcircuit 35 which is a display contents selecting means selects displaycontents according to the alarm, and the prism 8 disposed within theaccommodating case 6 of the monitor 1 placed in the folded statereflects the light emitted out of the monitor 1 with the reflectingsurface thereof so as to guide it, as illumination light, to theopenings 6 a (in step ST18). The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus thuscarries out and ends the series of processes. The monitor operationcontrol means thus carries out the series of processes for notifyingpassengers and persons outside the vehicle that an abnormal conditionoccurs in the vehicle by causing the monitor to emit out light in thelight-emitting form corresponding to the alarm. On the other hand, whenthere is no necessity to change the display contents in step ST17, thatis, when the alarm display contents are the same as the previous alarmdisplay contents, the monitor operation control means keeps thepreviously-established display setting so that the prism guides, asillumination light for warning, the light emitted out of the monitor tothe openings 6 a, and ends the processing.

In accordance with this embodiment, the conducting member and so on ofthe vehicle cabin lighting apparatus mounted to the vehicle's ceilingcan have the same structure as those of above-mentioned embodiments 1 to5. Targets detected by the vehicle status detecting means 18 connectedto the vehicle alarm unit 17 are not limited to those associated withthe alarms as shown in FIG. 15, and other factors of the vehicle whichare associated with abnormal conditions which can occur in the vehiclecan be targets detected by the vehicle status detecting means. Even inthis case, the same advantages are provided.

Thus, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with thisembodiment 6 is so constructed as to operate in cooperation with theoperation of the alarm unit or the like. Therefore, the presentembodiment offers an advantage of making it possible for the vehiclecabin lighting apparatus to serve as an alarm and safety apparatus whichnotifies the occurrence of an abnormal condition to passengers andpersons outside the vehicle, thereby improving the convenience of thevehicle cabin lighting apparatus, in addition to the advantages providedby above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5.

Embodiment 7

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing circuit structure of a vehicle cabinlighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment 7 of the presentinvention. In FIG. 17, components corresponding to those shown in FIG.14 are designated by the same reference numerals as shown in thisfigure, and the detailed explanation of the components will be omittedhereafter.

The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment is soconstructed as to operate in cooperation with the operation of aplayback unit for playing back a music medium, such as a DVD or CD, sothat the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus can be also used asentertainment equipment.

As shown in FIG. 17, a monitor control unit 3A, which is disposed as amonitor control means for controlling the operation of a monitor 1, isprovided with a monitor light amount adjusting unit 31, a monitor lightcolor adjusting unit 32, a monitor light pattern adjusting unit 33, andan OR circuit 35, like the monitor control unit 3A of FIG. 14, andfurther includes a monitor operation control means 34A for controlling adisplay operation at a time when the monitor 1 is placed in a folded orunfolded state according to a detection result obtained by a monitorfolding-or-unfolding detection means 2, and for controlling the displayoperation at the time when the monitor 1 is placed in the folded orunfolded state in response to an alarm signal from outside the monitoroperation control means.

The playback unit 19 plays back a recording medium, such as a CD or DVD.A music type determining unit 36 extracts music type information (e.g.,classic, jazz, popular music, or the like) corresponding to musicinformation currently being played back by the playback unit 19 from amemory 37 so as to determine the music type of the music information.

For example, when the recording medium is a CD, the memory 37 acquiresinformation including genres (including the genre of the whole album andthe genres of individual trucks), meta-genres (rock, classic, new age,jazz, etc.), and subgenres (gothic punk, ska, baroque, coral, bebop,etc.), which are pieces of additional information about the CD inadvance, and prestores the information therein, by accessing, forexample, the music information database (CDDB) provided by GracenoteInc. using a communications means, such as a mobile phone.

Another memory 38 stores plural sets of information indicating acorrespondence between different pieces of music type information andplural pieces of information each including an amount of monitor light,a monitor light color, and a monitor light pattern. The monitoroperation control means 34A extracts information including an amount ofmonitor light, a monitor light color, and a monitor light pattern, andcorresponding to the music type of the music information currently beingplayed back by the playback unit based on the determination resultobtained by the music type determining unit 36, and outputs the amountinformation of monitor light to the monitor light amount adjusting unit31, outputs the monitor light color information to the monitor lightcolor adjusting unit 32, and outputs the monitor light patterninformation to the monitor light pattern adjusting unit 33 so that theycan adjust the amount of monitor light, monitor light color, and monitorlight pattern, respectively.

Thus, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordance with embodiment7 can automatically determine the type and pattern of lighting which aresuitable for the circumstances according to the music type (genre,melody, etc.) of the music information currently being played back bythe playback unit 19 so as to carry out the lighting control, therebyimproving the enjoyableness of the equipment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As mentioned above, the vehicle cabin lighting apparatus in accordancewith the present invention is suitable for utilization of image lightemitted out of a monitor system in order to light a vehicle cabin inwhich the monitor system is disposed.

1. A vehicle cabin lighting apparatus characterized in comprising: amonitor mounted to a ceiling of a vehicle cabin; a monitorfolding-or-unfolding detecting means for detecting whether said monitoris placed in a folded or unfolded state; and a monitor control means fordetermining whether said monitor is placed in a video display mode orlighting mode based on a detection output of said monitorfolding-or-unfolding detecting means, for controlling an operation ofsaid monitor according to a result of the determination, and forapplying, as illumination light, light emitted out of said monitor tothe vehicle cabin when said monitor is placed in the lighting mode. 2.The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus according to claim 1, characterizedin that the monitor control means controls the operation of said monitorso that said monitor enters the lighting mode when said monitor isplaced in the unfolded state, and so that said monitor enters the videodisplay mode when said monitor is placed in the folded state.
 3. Thevehicle cabin lighting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized inthat the monitor control means selects and adjusts one of at least anamount, a color, and a pattern of the light emitted out of said monitor,and provides a corresponding instruction to said monitor when saidmonitor is placed in the lighting mode.
 4. The vehicle cabin lightingapparatus according to claim 1, characterized in comprising anaccommodating case having two or more openings for lighting formed atpredetermined positions thereof, for accommodating the monitor therein,and a light guiding member disposed in said accommodating case, forguiding the light emitted out of said monitor to said two or moreopenings to apply the light to the vehicle cabin as the illuminationlight.
 5. The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus according to claim 1,characterized in comprising an accommodating case having two or moreopenings for lighting formed at both ends thereof, for accommodating themonitor therein, and a light guiding member disposed in saidaccommodating case, for guiding the light emitted out of said monitor tosaid two or more openings so that the light is reflected by the ceilingof the vehicle to apply the light to the vehicle cabin as theillumination light.
 6. The vehicle cabin lighting apparatus according toclaim 1, characterized in comprising an accommodating case having two ormore openings for lighting formed at both ends thereof, and a hollowformed therein, for accommodating the monitor therein, and a pluralityof reflectors arranged in said hollow of said accommodating case, forguiding the light emitted out of said monitor to said two or moreopenings so that the light is reflected by the ceiling of the vehicle toapply the light to the vehicle cabin as the illumination light.
 7. Thevehicle cabin lighting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized incomprising a vehicle alarm generating means connected to the monitorcontrol means, for, when the vehicle is placed in an alarm mode in whichan abnormal condition occurs in the vehicle, generating an emergencyalarm corresponding to the status of the vehicle.
 8. The vehicle cabinlighting apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that thevehicle alarm generating means includes a vehicle status detecting meansfor detecting the status of the vehicle, and a vehicle alarm unit forgenerating an alarm signal based on an output of said vehicle statusdetecting means, and for causing the monitor control means to generatethe emergency alarm which is based on a predetermined light formaccording to the status of the vehicle at least when the monitor isplaced in the lighting mode.